Eight of Jason Day's relatives die in Typhoon Haiyan

GOLD COAST, Australia -- Eight of Australian golfer Jason Day's relatives died in Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, including his grandmother.

Day's mother, Dening, told the Gold Coast Bulletin on Monday that the player's uncle and six cousins also died in the typhoon, which has killed nearly 4,000 people and left more than a thousand missing.

"I am deeply saddened to confirm that multiple members of my family lost their lives as the victims of Typhoon Haiyan," Jason Day said in a statement released by the PGA TOUR. "My family and I are thankful for all who have reached out with their prayers and concern.

"We feel devastated for all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy. While I understand the media's interest in this matter and hope that any coverage can spread awareness to assist with the relief efforts that continue in the Phillippines, I hope that all will respect my family's privacy during this difficult time. I will have no further public comments at this time. Please pray for all who have suffered loss. Thank you."

Day is scheduled to team with Adam Scott to represent Australia in the World Cup of Golf, starting Thursday at Royal Melbourne.

Day's mother, who migrated from the Philippines to Australia 30 years ago, said many of her family members lived in the area around Tacloban, the capital of hardest-hit Leyte province.

"On behalf of the entire PGA TOUR family, we were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of several of Jason Day’s family members from Typhoon Haiyan, a tragic event that has affected millions of lives in the Philippines," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jason and his family, as well as all of those who have suffered losses and devastation."